Monday, October 1, 2007

2008 Saturn Sky Review

The 2008 Saturn Sky is a rear-wheel-drive roadster that shares its platform with Pontiac Soltice. Distinguishing features of the design include a peaked fender and a chrome bar emblazoned with the Saturn badge. As well, it has 18-inch wheels and its convertible top has a rear compartment into which it is completely stowed. This year, the second year the Sky has been in production, the standard equipment list has been explanded to include a noise-reducing torque beam on all manual transmission models, as well as electronic stability control, a powered height adjuster for the driver's seat, tire-pressure monitoring technology, and (with the 48 contiguous U.S. states) XM satellite radio to go along with the AM/FM radio / CD player / MP3 playback audio system.

Under the hood of the Sky, there's a standard 2.4 liter, 172 horsepower, 4-cylinder engine that provides 167 pounds/feet of torque, mated to an Aisin five-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter, with an optional five-speed automatic transmission available. The Red Line version of the Sky has a 2 liter, 260 horsepower turbocharged Ecotec engine providing 260 pounds/feet of torque.

Inside the 2008 Saturn Sky, aside from the features named above, you'll find seating for two, with buyer-chosen interior and exterior color combinations. Leather wrapping is standard on the steering wheel, but optional on the gear shift knob on the base model (standard on the Red Line), while leather upholstery is an optional upgrade on both versions of the car. GM's OnStar is a standard feature, and it's also got a limited-slip differential system, and anti-lock brakes, with front airbags rounding out the safety features.

Estimated fuel efficiency for the 2008 Saturn Sky ranges from 20-22 mpg in the city and 26-31 on the highway. The base model starts at $24,975, while the starting MSRP for the Red Line is $29,175.